Which question is the most appropriate for the nurse to use to start the health history assessment?

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because the nurse requests that the primary health care provider examines the patient is not the information that the nurse reports for the “B”. The “B” stands for background, which is the relevant information about the patient's history, diagnosis, and treatment. The nurse's request is part of the “R”, which stands for recommendation, which is the action that the nurse suggests or requests.

Choice B reason: This is the correct choice because the patient has a fractured right leg with a cast that was applied 2 days ago is the information that the nurse reports for the “B”. The “B” stands for background, which is the relevant information about the patient's history, diagnosis, and treatment. The patient's fracture and cast are part of the patient's background that the nurse should share with the primary health care provider.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because the patient’s toes are cool and pale and the patient reports that the foot feels numb is not the information that the nurse reports for the “B”. The “B” stands for background, which is the relevant information about the patient's history, diagnosis, and treatment. The patient's toes and foot are part of the patient's current condition that the nurse should report for the “S”, which stands for situation, which is the reason for the communication and the patient's status.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because the patient is reporting severe pain 1 hour after pain medication was given is not the information that the nurse reports for the “B”. The “B” stands for background, which is the relevant information about the patient's history, diagnosis, and treatment. The patient's pain and medication are part of the patient's current condition that the nurse should report for the “S”, which stands for situation, which is the reason for the communication and the patient's status.

Choice A reason: This is correct. Teaching the patient to wear low-heeled, comfortable, supportive footwear at all times is the highest priority intervention for a patient with diabetic neuropathy who has lost sensation in both feet. This can prevent foot injuries, ulcers, and infections that can lead to amputation.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Encouraging the patient to participate in tai chi exercises to promote balance is a beneficial intervention for a patient with diabetic neuropathy who has lost sensation in both feet, but not the highest priority. Tai chi can improve muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility, but it does not protect the feet from injury.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Evaluating the patient's blood pressure for orthostatic hypotension is an important intervention for a patient with diabetic neuropathy who has lost sensation in both feet, but not the highest priority. Orthostatic hypotension is a condition where the blood pressure drops when the patient changes position, causing dizziness and fainting. It can be caused by autonomic neuropathy, which affects the nerves that control blood pressure and heart rate.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Instructing the patient to wear a medical alert bracelet that identifies risk for falls is a helpful intervention for a patient with diabetic neuropathy who has lost sensation in both feet, but not the highest priority. A medical alert bracelet can alert emergency personnel of the patient's condition and medications, but it does not prevent falls or foot injuries.